The key to keeping your teeth strong and white is taking care of the enamel. This surface layer of the tooth protects your teeth from acids, sugars, and bacteria – it’s a wall between your mouth and the integrity of your teeth. Keeping your enamel healthy and strong is more than just brushing twice a day; it’s an input of lifestyle habits. That means you have ways you can make your teeth stronger!
5 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Teeth Stronger
1. Avoid Harmful Foods
It’s common knowledge that sugary foods are bad for the teeth. This is because sugar directly feeds the acidic bacteria that eats away at enamel. Even starch-based foods such as bread, pasta, and chips can become lodged in between teeth and deteriorate into sugar. Sour candy is a combination of sugar and citric acid, which is even more harmful to enamel. Avoiding these foods greatly increases the health of your enamel, making your teeth stronger.
2. Eat Enamel-Strengthening Foods
Instead of restricting your diet, replace it! Foods with high-calcium content are great for strengthening tooth enamel, as they neutralize harmful acids and restore the minerals found in the enamel itself. Vegetables such as soybeans, kale, broccoli, and other greens are rich in calcium. Dairy is another great source of this mineral. Don’t forget to drink water, as water kickstarts saliva production and helps your teeth to absorb this calcium more efficiently.
3. Brush 2x a Day the Right Way
Brushing your teeth is only helpful if you’re doing it the right way. In fact, overbrushing and improperly brushing can harm the enamel. Choosing toothpaste with fluoride is critical – it fights back against acids and bacteria in the mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to gently brush your teeth for 2 minutes at a time, twice a day.
4. Avoid Grinding Your Teeth
Chronic teeth grinding is detrimental to the health of your teeth. It can lead to cracking, chipping, or even losing teeth over time. There are special mouthguards to wear at night that control teeth grinding during sleep. If the grinding is caused by stress, consider muscle relaxants, implementing exercise, or creating anti-anxiety habits in your everyday routine.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist every 6 months for a regular checkup is very important! Your dentist will be able to examine your mouth and catch any unknown issues with your teeth before the damage becomes irreversible. You can also ask any questions about keeping your teeth strong or improving your oral hygiene routine. If you don’t have a regular dentist, you’ve come to the right place.
Call one of our Winn Smiles locations today to book your first appointment with us.